About the Poem- To My Dear and Loving Husband
| Poem | To My Dear and Loving Husband |
|---|---|
| Author | Anne Bradstreet |
| Genre | Love poem |
| Form | Sonnet (variation) |
| Meter | Iambic tetrameter |
| Rhyme scheme | AABBCCDDEEFF |
| Speaker | A wife addressing her husband |
| Setting | Undisclosed |
| Theme | Love, marriage, and devotion |
To My Dear and Loving Husband Poem
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay;
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let’s so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
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To My Dear and Loving Husband Summary & Analysis
“To My Dear and Loving Husband” is a deeply emotional and heartfelt poem written by the American colonial poet Anne Bradstreet. Composed in the 17th century, this poem consists of several stanzas, each of which beautifully encapsulates the themes of love, devotion, and spirituality. Here is a stanza-by-stanza summary of this classic work:
Stanza 1: The speaker begins by expressing the intense and boundless love she feels for her husband. She believes that their love is so strong and profound that no one else can comprehend it. She states that her love for him is more valuable than all the riches in the world.
Stanza 2: In this stanza, the poet describes the depth of her love in even more profound terms. She declares that her love for her husband is so deep that it transcends the human concept of measure. She uses phrases like “I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold” to illustrate the priceless nature of their love.
Stanza 3: The third stanza shifts the focus to the husband’s love for the speaker. The poet mentions that her husband’s love for her is equally passionate and intense. She claims that her love and his love are reciprocally strong and unwavering.
Stanza 4: Anne Bradstreet suggests in this stanza that the love between her and her husband is eternal. She speaks of their souls being so intertwined that they are almost as one. She hints at the idea that their love will persist even after death.
Stanza 5: The fifth stanza introduces a spiritual dimension to the poem. The poet suggests that their love is so pure and spiritual that it surpasses the love found in earthly relationships. She believes that their love is blessed by God and that it will ultimately lead to their salvation.
Stanza 6: In this stanza, the speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of life on Earth. She states that their love is so powerful that it transcends the boundaries of time and mortality. The poet believes that their love will live on even in the afterlife.
Stanza 7: The poem concludes with the idea that their love is an ideal that is unattainable by others. Anne Bradstreet expresses her desire for their love to be remembered by others and hopes that their love story will inspire future generations.
FAQs
What does the poem to my dear and loving husband mean?
The poem “To My Dear and Loving Husband” by Anne Bradstreet is a declaration of love and devotion from a wife to her husband.
What is the paradox in my dear and loving husband?
The paradox in To My Dear and Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet is that the speaker claims to be one with her husband, yet she also acknowledges that she cannot repay his love. This paradox suggests that love is both a unifying and a differentiating force. It can bring people together, but it can also create a sense of imbalance or inequality.
What is the hyperbole in To My Dear and Loving husband?
The hyperbole is the assertion that the love between the speaker and her husband is more valuable than all the riches in the world, emphasizing the immeasurable depth of their love.
Which line from To My Dear husband contains a metaphor?
The line “I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold” contains a metaphor.
What is the only thing that gives Anne recompense for her love for her husband?
Only love from her husband gives Anne recompense for her love for him.
This is expressed in the second stanza of the poem:
“My love is such that rivers cannot quench, Nor ought but love from thee give recompenserecompense.”
What does Anne’s gift giving reveal about her?
Anne’s gift-giving reveals her deep love and devotion to her husband.
What does Anne want what does she expect from her lover?
Anne Bradstreet wants love, fidelity, and eternal companionship from her lover.
What does Anne realize she has become so smitten with?
Anne realizes she has become so smitten with her husband’s love.
How did Anne want herself to be loved by a man?
Anne wanted to be loved by a man with deep, true, and eternal love.
What does the man say to Anne about love?
The man tells Anne that their love is so deep and profound that it cannot be measured by earthly wealth or riches.
Was Peter in love with Anne?
Yes, Peter was in love with Anne.
